Community

Introduction

Making your way in society following brain injury introduces new challenges for everyone involved. Every person with a brain injury experiences this return to community life in a different way, while family members adjust to new roles and responsibilities. But above all, it is highly important that caregivers and survivors alike are connected to others in a network of support for brain injury.

There are many resources available that can help facilitate these connections. Brain injury support groups often prove to be an invaluable asset for families with brain injury, as they can often provide a safe place for candid discussions on brain injury as well as an additional path to resources and information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to be involved with the brain injury community?

Research has shown that people with brain injury who have more support from family, friends, and professionals tend to have a better outcome and reintegrate into their community with more ease. You can also make new friends, form new connections with others who walked a similar path, and help raise awareness about brain injury.

Where do I find the services and help I need — not just for today, but down the road?

After a brain injury, it can be difficult to find the right kind of help in the community. For local and regional services, please call the BIANC office at 1-800-377-1464 to speak with someone about finding these options or visit the BIANC Resource Book. Additionally, state health and human services programs may offer case managers and social workers who can help create a treatment strategy for those with TBI.

Another good option for finding resources is to join a brain injury support group, as many of the group members and leaders may be able to point you to resources that they found to be helpful in the past.

What does it look like to be come “re-integrated” into society following a brain injury?

Community re-integration strategies generally involve the survivor and his or her family working together on tasks that focus on day-to-day functioning. Community reintegration programming does not focus on the medical side, but on the life skills side. Consequently, community reintegration for people with brain injuries should focus on activities in the community or in the home environment as opposed to in the medical setting environment.

These services might include assistance with relearning tasks such as shopping or getting around town (transit and para-transit); basic cognitive skills (money management, memory devices); peer support (meetings, help-line, drop-in center); in-home assistive care (personal grooming and hygiene, house cleaning); transitioning (back to school/work environments), and vocational training (provides help with securing or maintaining employment).

BIANC Resource Book & Regional Offices

The BIANC Resource Book is intended to be a guide for individuals with brain injury, family members of brain injury survivors, and professionals who serve them. It provides information and referrals for services related to brain injury.